LONDON - Tiki Gelana of Ethiopia won the women's Olympic marathon in a race that began in heavy rain, saw the sun briefly come out and ended in another downpour.
Portland's Shalane Flanagan was the top U.S. finisher in 10th place in a time of 02:25:51. Right behind her was Portland's Kara Goucher, who finished 11th in 02:26:07.
Olympics profiles: Kara Goucher and Shalane Flanagan
Gelana had finished in 02:23:07 seconds, holding off Priscah Jeptoo of Kenya by five seconds. Tatyana Petrova Arkhipova of Russia captured the bronze.
There were four runners in a bunched pack over the last three miles. But with the finish line ahead, Gelana made her move, grimacing as she surged to the front. With the rain falling, she kept glancing over her shoulder to see if Jeptoo was gaining ground.
Gelana coasted in and raised her hands as she crossed the line, soaking in the moment.
Through the years:Shalane Flanagan and Kara Goucher
Flanagan was not satisfied with her 10th place finish,according to a tweet she sent out Sunday morning. But then she apparently realized the scope of the stage she was on.
Not content with 10th, battled nasty cramps last two miles, she said. BUT I ran the marathon in the freakin' Olympics! Congrats to all the women, so proud.
Saturday Portlander Galen Rupp won the silver in the men's 10,000 meter, just behind Mo Farah, who also trains in Portland.
Complete coverage: London 2012 Olympics
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